While CrossFit is a growing phenomenon in Europe, many familiar faces from Games past rose to the top of the heap at this year’s Europe Regional. Blair Morrison qualified last year by way of the Mid-Atlantic Qualifier before departing for study abroad in the Old Country. Both Sveinbjörn Sveinbjörnsson and Annie Thorisdottir made it to Aromas through the Iceland Qualifier.
This year, these familiar faces all came together in Halmstad, Sweden, to do battle at the Eleiko Center, with a total of six Games spots available. As the weekend sorted itself out, it was obvious that these Games veterans had the upper hand, even as they were challenged by strong newcomers Richard Vanmeerbeek, Samantha Briggs and Jenný Magnúsdóttir. Sevan Matossian caught up with the veterans post-event to get their thoughts on their roads to the Games.
Qualifying Men
1. Blair Morrison
2. Sveinbjörn Sveinbjörnsson
3. Richard Vanmeerbeek
Qualifying Women
1. Annie Thorisdottir
2. Samantha Briggs
3. Jenný Magnúsdóttir
Editor's Note: As of June 15, Jenný Magnúsdóttir has withdrawn from the 2010 Games competition and is not being replaced.
7min 24sec
Additional reading: Rise of the Euro? by Blair Morrison, published June 5, 2009.